Farewell to Newburgh's 'Butterfly'

Tuesday

Nov 29, 2011 at 2:00 AM

CITY OF NEWBURGH — When Newburgh's Danny Ray "Butterfly" Washington got to meet a young Michael Jordan face to face in a locker room after a game back in the 1980s, he called basketball legend Jordan two things that most people wouldn't have: a rookie and a cream-puff head.

James Nani

CITY OF NEWBURGH — When Newburgh's Danny Ray "Butterfly" Washington got to meet a young Michael Jordan face to face in a locker room after a game back in the 1980s, he called basketball legend Jordan two things that most people wouldn't have: a rookie and a cream-puff head.

That's according to Newburgh Free Academy's assistant basketball coach Mike Paz, one of many people who stood near a blue-and-yellow decorated coffin to speak Monday afternoon at Washington's funeral at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Despite tears being wiped from the faces of his family and friends, what kept resounding off the church's walls were big, guttural laughs.

When NFA's Athletic Director Jack Mager reached the podium, he spoke about the time he first met Washington.

"I said, 'I'm the new boys' track coach.' He turned to me, cocked his head and said 'You just a bologna-face, turkey-neck rookie,'" recalled Mager.

Washington, 62, died Nov. 20 at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital.

He was remembered by more than 100 people at the funeral as an unofficial manager of the Newburgh boys' basketball and football teams, an adamant supporter of NFA sports, and to many, the ultimate Goldback.

Filling some of the pews on an unseasonably warm November afternoon was the NFA varsity football team, wearing their team jerseys. NFA cheerleaders wore pink T-shirts with butterflies on the back. Cousins, nephews, friends and coaches took turns telling stories of Washington's life.

"He was on the staff for 50 years and didn't receive one paycheck, and didn't ask for one," said NFA boys' track coach Malcom Burks.

Jerome Little, offensive tackle for NFA's varsity football, said Washington's jokes and attitude put the team in a good mood and made them feel relaxed.

Washington's nephew Chad Castor said he and eight other family members lived with Washington growing up on Lander Street.

Newburgh football coach Bill Bianco visited an ailing Washington in the hospital, days before the Goldbacks' historic 16-6 win over Shenendehowa in the Class AA state football playoffs in Kingston last Saturday.

"The guy's life was Newburgh; it's sad," Bianco said. "Butterfly was at more NFA games than anyone else, especially the bigger sports. He will be missed."

Washington's sister Margo Newkirk, who traveled from North Carolina, said "1949—2011. It's not so much about the beginning or the ending, but the dash in between."

Sitting outside the church on the trunk of a car as the funeral wrapped up was Christopher Butler, Washington's youngest nephew.

Butler was wearing Washington's big blue Newburgh sweater from the 1980s and had tears in his eyes as people proceeded out of the church.

Despite being known for his jokes, Butler said he learned something else from Washington. "He's the man who taught me loyalty."